I understand that if I simply drain the transmission fluid in my 2009 automatic transmission Elantra, then top it up, I will have only replaced about half the fluid; the other half being trapped within the torque converter.
Is this a reasonable service, or do I need to have the whole thing pumped out with the machine that goes “ping?”
I’m trying to save money over the Christmas break and thought I could attempt this myself.
Changing the transmission oil also requires changing the filter. You are wasting time & money if you don’t. My van’s manual maintenance schedule recommends doing this at 40,000. I did that myself last year.
At 75,000 the local Ford dealer recommended I let them use the machine/pump thing that sucks out every drop. I’ll let them do that when needed.
youtube has a lot of vids. here’s one for a van. Shows how to pull the pan and replace the filter. Pretty simple. I’ve done this on every vehicle I’ve owned.
One might question why you’re changing the fluid in a 1-2 year old car? There may be more wrong than simply dirty / worn fluid.
But to answer your question, yes draining is typically all that’s involved in a fluid change… no sucking, only draining. And the previous poster is right; you really need to change that filter and gasket, too.
Alternatively, you could drain and change, then drain and change a few days later… that would have the effect of removing more of the old fluid (but not all of it).
-John
High mileage. I’m way overdue for a change, according to the service schedule. But it has all been very easy highway miles at constant speed. (At least that’s what I’m telling myself!)
The fluid is probably fine under those conditions. The only reason to change it is to keep the warranty in effect, but how many miles are on the car? I’d suspect that the 10-year/100,000-mile may be almost over if you are driving that much.
You can change it yourself, but keep in mind that if the pan does not have a drain plug, it’s probably going to be a huge mess. Also, some cars have a sealed transmission that will require the machine. I don’t know if Hyundai uses this type of transmission.
The first transmission servicing is a good chance to look for metal shavings in the pan. A lot of transmissions have a magnet in the pan to catch them.
A lot of metal shavings means trouble and the transmission needs rebuilding immediately. I’ve had six vehicles in my lifetime and my wife two since we married. Thankfully, I’ve never found very many metal shavings in the pan. knock on wood 
Next time I buy a car, I’ll check and make sure they don’t have a sealed transmission. Getting those serviced could be expensive.
It’s coming up to 100,000 kms (60,000 miles). I think the transmission fluid should have been changed at maybe 48K kms?
I just did some Googling, and see that the transmission fluid, under normal conditions should be first changed at 168,000 Kms, but at 48,000 Kms for severe conditions.
Maybe I read my manual incorrectly and I don’t need this service right now after all!
On this vehicle, the transmission filter is not accessible without some serious disassembly. It is not a routine service item.
Fluid replacement is a simple drain and refill. Make sure you know the locations of the drain plug and the fill plug. Use the proper fluid meeting SP-III specs. The fluid is pricey, but using a different type is a false economy.
The drain and refill will likely replace approx. 2/3 of the fluid (the total capacity is 7 qts.). A flush will replace 95+% of the fluid. A flush is a better service than a drain and refill, but a drain and refill is a heck of a lot better than nothing.
If you have it flushed, MAKE SURE they use the specified fluid. If they tell you a different fluid is acceptable, you would be wise to go elsewhere.
Hyundai’s normal service schedule calls for inspecting the fluid every 15K miles (and presumably changing it if it has deteriorated significantly), and replacement at 105K (if not done before then). Their severe service schedule calls for replacement every 30K. Severe transmission service typically is towing and/or mountain driving. Depending on your driving patterns, the car’s mileage, and the fluid condition, it may not need a service yet.
ETA: Hyundai recommends a flush over a drain and refill, which makes sense.
Thanks Gary!
About 90% of my mileage is one flat highway to work and back, at an almost constant speed of 110 KPH.
I think I’m OK for another 6 or 8 months. By then I won’t be struggling with Christmas bills simultaneously and will probably get the full flush done
Whew!
Good advice.
Indeed, I’d be more emphatic: Having noted what trans fluid the manufacturer specifies, you should ask what type the shop plans to use. If they aren’t sure or imply that it doesn’t matter, it’s a complete deal-breaker - walk away.
Correction. Run away. Run fast, run far.
The wrong ATF can cause you to replace the transmission.
Chrysler’s reputation for transmissions was destroyed by the use of the wrong fluid in the A604/41TE/“Ultradrive.”